Long Key State Park

Historically a favorite tourist spot for the rich and well to do, Long Key now serves as a tranquil haven for birdwatching, swimming, kayaking or relaxing on the shoreline as you gaze across the Atlantic Ocean.

In the early 20th century, Henry Flagler’s Long Key Fishing Camp was a popular luxury destination along his railroad to Key West. Celebrities and many of the world's best-known salt water anglers of the time fished here, including United States presidents and author Zane Grey. The entire facility was destroyed by the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and never reopened.

Long Key sustained significant damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Efforts are still continuing to restore the sixty ocean-front campsites. The full-facility campsites were known for their views overlooking the aqua blue waters of the Florida Keys. Please contact the park for the most up-to date information regarding restoration efforts.

Experiences

Camping Full Facility
Located in the Florida Keys, the park's 60 campsites all overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, and ground grill; as well as electric and water hookups. Although each campsite has its own individual hookups, they are located between sites. An extension cord is highly recommended. Three restrooms with hot showers, and a dump station are available to campers. Well behaved pets are welcome in the campground. Ranger programs are available. Please check at the Ranger Station for dates and times.

Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.

Paddling
Shallow waters provide an excellent opportunity for paddling and exploration along Long Key State Park’s natural shoreline. Kayaks are available for rent from the Ranger Station. The cost is $17.50 for a single and $21.50 for a double for 2 hours. There are no boat ramps on Long Key State Park property. Visitors requiring the need for a trailer-accessible boat ramp need to contact local marinas.

Fishing
Some of the best sport fishing in the Florida Keys are popular year-round.All fishing within the  park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.  A fishing license may be required.  More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Geo-Seeking
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land use ethics should be followed.

Operation Recreation Geotour

Hiking
The park offers two land-based nature trails for visitors to explore. The "Golden Orb Trail," named after a native spider, is a leisurely 1.1-mile walk through various plant communities. The "Layton Trail" is located on the bayside of the park with short interconnecting trails with overlooks to the Florida Bay.

Snorkeling
Snorkeling is available in designated areas. The water in the park is generally shallow and the bottom covered with seagrass.

Star Gazing
The park has minimal light pollution and is an excellent place for viewing the night sky. Campers can view the wonders of the universe with the Florida Keys Astronomy Club on Tuesday nights (weather permitting). Ask at the ranger station for more details.

Swimming
Swimming is available in designated areas. In general, the water is shallow and the currents and waves gentle.

Wildlife Viewing
The park is a designated location on The Great Florida Birding Trail, and provides an exceptional opportunity for birding. Wading and shorebirds can be found year-round; while migratory birds seasonally bolster the viewing experience. Herons, Egrets, and Ibis are common. Lucky visitors may find a White-Crowned Pigeon or Roseate Spoonbill.

The shoreline visitors occasionally observe Horseshoe Crabs, Mullet, Snapper and Starfish. Sportfish include Bonefish and Redfish in our shallow grass flats. Kayakers have seen Loggerhead and Green sea turtles during a paddle.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Long Key State Park is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities to all of its visitors. Those amenities include:

Beach wheelchair
Accessible restroom facilities
Accessible showers in campground
Handicap ramp to boardwalk through the mangroves

Pets
Pets are not allowed on beaches, along the natural shoreline, in picnic shelters, or in the restrooms. In the areas where pets are allowed, they must be on a six-foot hand held leash and be well behaved at all times. For more information, see our Pet Policy.